Museum events continue from summer into fall

We are well into September and the mornings are starting out quite cool. Great weather for getting out and taking a long walk. And there is only one more week of the farmers' markets. Without those fresh tomatoes it really will be autumn.

However, we at the Douglas County Historical Society don't know the meaning of the word quit. Just because summer's over doesn't mean that the choice of things to do at the museums will slow down or stop. We have events planned right on up to the end of 2008, and beyond.

Saturday and Sept. 27 will be our final two summer swap meets. These will be your last chances to clear out the garage or to show off your crafts before the holidays. Come join us and make extra room in the garage for all those new Christmas decorations you'll want to get this year.

The DCHS membership picnic begins at noon Sept. 14 at Mormon Station State Historic Park in Genoa. Plates, silverware, drinks and main course will be provided by DCHS. Members are asked to bring a salad or dessert. Call 782-2555 to RSVP or to join the historical society so you can attend.

September ends with the annual Genoa Candy Dance. The Genoa Court House Museum will be open both days and you are encouraged to escape the crowds and the noise with a tour of our museum. See Genoa as it was way back when and visit the original courtroom upstairs.

The photo contest ends Sept. 30. To date we have one entry, but we'll need more if we are to keep up the contests for another full year for another full DCHS calendar featuring your photos. We hope to see your entry soon.

On the Oct. 4 Student-Senior Day, "A Day in the Museum" will be presented where many historical characters will come alive. The lecture series continues on Oct. 9 with a panel discussing ghost stories of Carson Valley. Admission is free for students and seniors on the Student-Senior Day and for everyone for the lecture series.

That leads us into Haunted Weekend, Oct. 24, 25 and 26. The Haunted Gardnerville Ghost Walk with tours available from 6:30-8:30 p.m. is Oct. 24. Also planned for the weekend is Haunted Gardnerville Cemetery Tour with guided tours every 15 minutes between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and the Haunted Genoa Ghost Walk with tours at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Call 782-2555 or 782-2893 for ticket prices and more information.

If you have any questions about anything mentioned here, please call the Douglas County Historical Society at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville at 782-2555. Visit our Web site at www.historicnevada.org. Remember, DCHS and its two museums do not receive any regular state or county funding. It's up to our members and friends to help us keep our doors open.

n Contact Ellen Caywood at in2my2cats@yahoo.com or at 790-1565.